KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (October 26) — Timor-Leste has officially become the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) following the signing of the Declaration on the Admission of Timor-Leste during the opening of the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings on Sunday.
The declaration was signed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and other ASEAN leaders at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Timor-Leste Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão expressed his country’s readiness to be a “constructive, peaceful, and devoted partner” in the region.
“Our accession is a testament to the spirit of our people — a young democracy, born from struggle, now embracing a new era of collaboration and growth within one of the world’s most dynamic regions,” he said.
Gusmão noted that Timor-Leste had strengthened its institutions and reformed its policies since first applying for membership in 2011, emphasizing its commitment to uphold ASEAN’s core values of mutual respect, peaceful cooperation, unity in diversity, and regional solidarity.
He vowed that Timor-Leste will work with all member states to keep Southeast Asia “peaceful, open, and prosperous,” ensuring no one is left behind.
In a symbolic gesture, the Timor-Leste flag was raised alongside those of the 10 other ASEAN nations, as members of its delegation grew emotional during the ceremony — marking a historic moment for the young nation.
